Thousands of 9/11 responders will lose their health care and the compensation that the government has acknowledged that they are owed if the program ends

“People will die” if Congress fails to extend the Zadroga Act, a former NYPD officer battling cancer warned a House panel Thursday. David Howley, one of hundreds of supporters of the act who traveled to the capital to plead for its extension at a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee, said he wouldn’t be alive without the WTC Health Program. Howley was accompanied by a fire officer and two medical experts, all of whom testified about the health program’s benefits — and warned of disaster if it is not extended and re-funded.

The WTC Health Program was promulgated under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, passed in 2011. The program monitors people for ailments related to the 9/11 aftermath and provides care and compensation for those who become ill. Approximately 33,000 first responders and volunteers who worked around Ground Zero after 9/11, and others who lived near the World Trade Center, receive treatment for a least one WTC-related health issue, ranging from asthma to terminal cancer. Authorization for the $2.4 billion health program expires October 1, 2015.

Dr. John Howard, who administers the WTC Health Program, testified that just the threat of the program ending would stress patients who would have to consider where else they could seek vital care. “It would be a nightmare for me personally. It would be a nightmare for our members,” Howard said. “You can’t abandon a patient.”

So far, there are 88 House co-sponsors — and counting — of a bill to permanently extend the program, including every member of the New York City delegation.

Five years after overcoming strong GOP opposition to win passage of the bill, supporters of extending it said they were pleased by the support they have received to date.

“I’m encouraged,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), a lead sponsor of the original and reauthorization bills. “It’s night and day from where we were five years ago.”

Uniformed Fire Officers Association legislative director Richard Alles who also testified before the subcommittee said “we’ve been very encouraged by the bipartisan support we’ve received and we’re appreciative of the leadership for holding this meeting in a timely manner.” He added, “If the Zadroga Act expires, we have a lot of people who would be in dire straits.”

Bi-partisan Support Lining Up

U.S. Reps Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), Peter King (R-L.I.), Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Lee Zeldin (R-L.I.) also attended the hearing to show their support. One of the most powerful Republicans in Washington, Michigan Rep. Fred Upton, has gotten behind reauthorizing the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. As chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Upton will hopefully be able to persuade other Republicans to allocate money that’s needed.

The Zadroga bill was named in honor of James Zadroga, an NYPD detective who spent over 200 hours at Ground Zero. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 34 as a result of complications related to pulmonary fibrosis. An autopsy confirmed that his disease was linked to the toxic dust. The WTC Health Program certified it as well. More than 111 firefighters have died from 9/11 related illnesses, according to the FDNY. More than 1,500 have retired on 9/11 FDNY disabilities due to their serious illnesses. Most tragically, to date, 1,035 firefighters have been diagnosed with 9/11-related cancers.

Barasch McGarry, attorneys for the Zadroga Family as well as nearly 10,000 other sick first responders and residents, commended the bi-partisan efforts. “The only thing these people did wrong was to believe the pronouncements of the EPA which regrettably assured them that ’the air is safe’. They are paying a huge price and it is gratifying to see the government come together to help them”, said Mike Barasch, Managing Partner of the firm.

“I am so proud to see members from both sides of the aisle coming together to support this vital legislation. This is neither a Democratic nor Republican issue. It really demonstrates the potential good that Congress can do. Convincing other politicians to support the pending bill will hopefully be easier this time since ailing responders now live in 429 of 435 congressional districts”, said Barasch. The House measure currently has sponsors from 22 different states.

"Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson handled everything professionally and with patience. They always had time to answer all my questions and did what they promised. Thanks esp to Brian Calamaris Lee London, and Mariya Atanasova. Thank you."
- William Collins, FDNY

"If I could give them six stars I would...don't even bother talking to anyone else concerning 9/11. The whole team worked night and day to deliver an outstanding settlement. They are honest, hard working and extremely professional. Just make the one phone call and let them do the rest."
- Les Margulis, resident in the exposure zone

"I had a very good experience with Michael and Mariya. They made the process stress free. I would recommend this firm to anyone seeking assistance with 9/11 related illnesses."
- JE Kirwan, worked in the exposure zone

"The people at this firm were just great. They were concern with making sure I was taken care of in every way possible. When I was given an award Mr. Barasch didn't think it was a fair amount and appealed the decision which got me a larger award. I am very satisfied with everything they did for me in the past and are willing to do for me and my family in the future."
- Bob Wiecezak, FDNY-Retired

"Excellent law firm. Lee London and his staff were very responsive and always followed up with phone calls or emails. This firm is a strong example of what caring and personable lawyers are all about."
- Letitia Egan, wife of client, volunteer in the exposure zone

Deadline Extended to Register for Compensation

There is still time to apply for significant compensation if you have been diagnosed with any of the 68 cancers that doctors at the WTC Health Program (WTCHP) have linked to the WTC toxic dust. The deadline to apply to the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is two years from the date that a cancer has been certified by the WTC Health Program — or any other governmental agency. The two-year period to register doesn’t start on the day of a cancer diagnosis. Rather, it starts only when a cancer survivor is made aware their cancer was linked to exposure to the WTC toxins.

For those who died from their WTC-linked cancers, the two-year period for their family to register starts on the day of the death of the WTC victim.

Please help spread the word about the strict two-year deadline to register a claim

Many people have tried to complete the VCF application on their own, only to learn that it requires answers to hundreds of questions and many documents to download. It would be our pleasure to help you complete the process in order to ensure that you receive the compensation that you are entitled to. Please call us for a free consultation.

Let a knowledgeable attorney help you figure it out

A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying. You undoubtedly have questions about your disease and how you will pay for treatment. Lawyers at Barasch & McGarry ensure you understand the complex requirements and help devise the best strategies for obtaining compensation and appropriate medical care under the Zadroga Act.
Contact our law firm online or call 888-351-9421. The initial consultation is free, so it costs you nothing to find out whether a lawyer can help.

Contact Us

Fill out the form below with any questions or info on how to get your free consultation

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Barasch & McGarry is located in New York, New York and serves clients throughout the entire New York metropolitan area, including former New York residents who have since relocated to other states and volunteers who came to New York to help in the WTC rescue and recovery efforts.

Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. [ Site Map ]